I know there’s quite a few variations and options on this subject, but I want to hear from you guys with direct experience.
I have a 67 el Camino that’s pretty much all stock with what I believe is a 327. I have experience building my own engines, but not familiar with chevy. I know the 327 will have less hp just by displacement. Is the 327 worth building? Or should I just swap in a 350 or bigger engine?
it has double hump heads which I heard are good, not sure if they need to be modified to breathe better or if aluminum is a better option especially with weight. I’m not against doing the basic heads, exhaust, carb, intake for power gains. But if it’s not worth it I would rather just build a 350 on the side. What do you guys think?
It’s a daily driven car also. Thanks!
I'm a big fan of 327's in classic cars. Especially if they're original to the car. My '68 was a 307 powerglide car, but I lucked into a 327 with camel hump heads ( 186 casting) so I built that and added a 4 speed. i just plain love the sound of a classic smallblock with headers at 6,000 rpm. Of course as others have mentioned you have a ton of options these days, and I'll agree you can buy a performance engine cheaper than building most likely. I had hardened seats put in the heads, which is a good plan. I didn't do anything too radical and make 365 hp. I'm 25 years older now and would probably go one size down on the cam, but it's fun to drive
You're very right on that.nothing compares to these ol blocks.me personally was against all these latest swaps but like I always say I'm going to use what I got and that's a 327 or one of the two 350 TBI engines I have put away. I'm not looking to buy any LS engines unless someone hands me one then maybe I'll work with that..🤫
Mr. Jackson! If you have a small journal 327, you have an awesome engine! I built many 350 Chevy engines but I went with a 327 for my '79 El Camino, simply because of the short stroke, quick revving little beast that I built it into! I'm running the L79 cam, same as the '67 Corvette 327. I went with Dart Iron Eagle heads because they are thick castings with accessory holes so I could mount the power steering pump, alternator and keep my stock air conditioning compressor. If you rebuild your 327, you will LOVE IT! I think that it's one of the best engines Chevy ever produced.
Awesome, thanks for the info! Sounds like you have a nice set up. I have a new edelbrock intake and carb in the mail, next up is headers. Then I’ll move to heads and cam once I finish up the rest of the work!
Swap in a low compression 454 with a Turbo 400, these run best with a two series rear end ratio. I like the 2:73 best.... Keep the engine all stock, those big engines need nothing to make them go. You will have so much fun with all that torque it will be a blast to drive and all on 87 octane..
Dunno 'bout that. He'd lose considerable handling with the added weight of the BBC. He'd have to re-spring it and beef up the suspension, not to mention the many other swap mods required for the SBC to BBC. That being said, I am with you on the TH-400. Can handle more HP than the TH-350 with very minor mods. But 2:73 gears? Seriously? He's gonna launch like a Moped running Pemex...
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